Changes to Anchorage Curbside and Office Recycling

June 6, 2019

Due to changes in global recycling markets, #1 PETE plastic clamshells will no longer be accepted in any of Alaska Waste’s residential curbside or office commingled recycling. These changes go into effect immediately.

China’s recycling import ban has caused a shift in material markets, and there are currently no viable outlets for plastic clamshells in Alaska or the West Coast.

All other recyclable materials are still being accepted in curbside and office recycling, including #1 plastic bottles; #2 plastic jugs; aluminum, steel and tin cans; mixed paper, newspaper, and cardboard.

Plastic clamshells comprise less than 1 percent of what is collected in curbside recycling, according to the Municipality of Anchorage. Last year, Alaska Waste's residential and office recycling customers in Anchorage recycled roughly 7.68 million pounds of material.

Recycled material is shipped from Anchorage to the Lower 48 on backhaul barges that are donated by shippers. Once in Washington, the materials are sorted and brought to market for manufacturing into recycled products.